What would you judge as worst and why(EBT purchase)

[cktc]

Sept 6, 2014 19:44:34 GMT -5 Sum Dum Gai said:

Soda pisses me off the most as an EBT purchase.  Zero nutritional value, tons of sugar, caffeine, and pretty much everyone on EBT has kids.  The money is supposed to be used to keep the kids from going hungry.  It's probably the single worst thing you can buy at a grocery store nutrition wise, and you know they're giving it to their kids.  The ones waddling along behind mom that are already obese by age 10.  It's just sad.

Soda might not be the most nutritiously dense option out there, but water and carbs are nutrients. 

95% of my fluid intake is plain water, but I'm highly sensitive to fluctuations in potassium levels (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis) and soda can help stabilize that. There are times when soda is all I can keep down so I do appreciate it's value.

[973beachbum]

Sept 8, 2014 11:47:22 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

I saw Papa Murphy's waving a giant banner in front of their store saying they now accepted EBT a couple years ago.

WTF?

The argument was that fast food had to be included like you said because some people can't go home and cook food themselves.

You have to "take and bake" Papa Murphy's. My brain short circuited as I was driving by, I figured they must have one hell of a lobbyist.

If it was open to every ebt recipient it probably isn't a good use of resources!  It sounds like the most expensive way to get food to most people.  I know in NJ it is very restricted.  There is some process where they have to get their case worker to appeal to a higher up to get it approved.  So I'm pretty sure here it is pretty rare.  Letting everyone do it would just deplete their limited food budget pretty quickly IMO.

Then again I have seen some pretty interesting carts this summer.  I hate to say it, but a happy meal would probably be an improvement, nutritionally speaking.

[hurley1980]

I noticed an EBT banner hanging outside the entrance to a DD's Discounts store the other day (DD's is like a crappier version of Ross). I was trying to think WTF people could buy with food stamps in there, and the only things I could come up with, is food gift baskets and seasonal chocolates and stuff around the holidays. I can't think of any other reason a discount retail store would accept EBT.

For those of you who have never heard of DD's, here is the link to what their stores carry....

www.ddsdiscounts.com/wwc.aspx

[motherto2]

I'm actually very surprised at some of the items that are allowed on EBT cards. Why doesn't Michelle Obama go after the crap that is allowed, just like she is after the school lunches? Not trying to start a political rant, but I honestly don't understand that. Our local farmer's market accepts EBT, and that's the way it should be.

I have to admit, I like my soda. And I too can't stand the taste of plain water. I will try to put something in it to make it taste better. I work on a base, and I refuse to drink the water from anything the Government has had a hold of. Been around it too long, and seen some weird stuff in my day .  We too buy water in the five gallon jugs.

[Opti]

Sept 8, 2014 11:47:22 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

I saw Papa Murphy's waving a giant banner in front of their store saying they now accepted EBT a couple years ago.

WTF?

The argument was that fast food had to be included like you said because some people can't go home and cook food themselves.

You have to "take and bake" Papa Murphy's. My brain short circuited as I was driving by, I figured they must have one hell of a lobbyist.

Also, when they say they take EBT, sometimes what it really means is they

can use the cash they get that is on the EBT card at that vendor/location.

EBT cards have two parts and not everyone has both.

When I go to the grocery store to pay with the EBT card, I have to

select food not cash as  an option. Cash is basically yearly pro-rated EITC

given to some people who qualify via the EBT card mechanism.

EBT does not always equal food stamps.

Sometimes EBT equals EITC money.

[Opti]

As my YM EBT challenge,

I will now intentionally select the cash option at each grocery store or

produce market I have shopped at.

I will report back my findings!

(I do not have cash on the card, but I enjoy creative error messages...

and I think maybe possibly some of you might too

or not.)

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 8, 2014 10:54:03 GMT -5 Firebird said:

Personally, I still can't believe that EBT covers fast food.  What the hell is the point of that? 

This is the one that gets me.  And EBT should cover personal hygiene products and toilet paper if it doesn't.

[Opti]

Sept 8, 2014 22:02:48 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Sept 8, 2014 10:54:03 GMT -5 Firebird said:

Personally, I still can't believe that EBT covers fast food.  What the hell is the point of that? 

This is the one that gets me.  And EBT should cover personal hygiene products and toilet paper if it doesn't.

Ummm, eating lunch or dinner?

in the mid naughts I worked at Macy's in a mall FT. If I forgot or didn't have

time to prepare something to bring I went without or tried to find the cheapest

food option in the Mall. Some of those underpaid wage slaves eat fast food and

have cell phones for a reason.

There are no public employee phones and no place to call out except one

pay phone that likely is long gone. No cafeteria, only beverage, snacks in

vending machines if they exist... fast food can be *the* food option sometimes.

I did do things like bring a can opener and eat tuna straight from the can, but its

a bit harsh on my system as there's a lot of protein in a 6oz. can. (Yes it was the 00s,

when tuna cans from the food pantries still were 6 oz. versus today's 5oz.)

Lastly, since I haven't attempted to buy fast food at McD's, Wendy's or Dunkin Donuts

using the EBT food stamp portion, I do not even know if it works on foodstamps. Do you?

[Opti]

Sorry that was probably harsh and not at all funny, humorous

AND enlightening.

Maybe I'll fix tomorrow...

[resolution]

Food Stamps is a Department of Agriculture program, which is probably why Kleenex and Tampax haven't been able to bribe their way in. It is part of the Farm Bill, which is intended to subsidize big agricultural conglomerates.

[Opti]

Sept 8, 2014 22:29:08 GMT -5 resolution said:

Food Stamps is a Department of Agriculture program, which is probably why Kleenex and Tampax haven't been able to bribe their way in. It is part of the Farm Bill, which is intended to subsidize big agricultural conglomerates.

Does that mean the cool Kleenex made from cotton at Wegmans could possibly

maybe someday be included?

A coworker at my last FT job, used to buy that Kleenex. Nice stuff!

Maybe there needs to be a charity movement ... HBA for poor folk and stuff.

TP

Paper towels

feminine products

diapers(kid and adult!)

lipstick for job interviews...

[truthbound]

Sept 7, 2014 7:56:26 GMT -5 @bluester said:

I had to wear my poker face a couple of weeks ago in the grocery store.

The people checking out in front of me were buying a lot of food from the bakery and deli with their EBT card; i.e., cake, taco dip, bbq chicken wings, etc. In fact, I think their whole purchase was stuff like that.

Ummmm . . . . . I make my own.

Why would you put on a poker face? Who are you Lady Gaga? Tell them what you think. I always do.

[Deleted]

Sept 9, 2014 4:25:26 GMT -5 truthbound said:

Sept 7, 2014 7:56:26 GMT -5 @bluester said:

I had to wear my poker face a couple of weeks ago in the grocery store.

The people checking out in front of me were buying a lot of food from the bakery and deli with their EBT card; i.e., cake, taco dip, bbq chicken wings, etc. In fact, I think their whole purchase was stuff like that.

Ummmm . . . . . I make my own.

Why would you put on a poker face? Who are you Lady Gaga? Tell them what you think. I always do.

because it's not your business....if it's legally allowed then too bad...if you don't like it write to your elected representatives

[Firebird]

Ummm, eating lunch or dinner? in the mid naughts I worked at Macy's in a mall FT. If I forgot or didn't have time to prepare something to bring I went without or tried to find the cheapest food option in the Mall.

I don't see your point.  EBT isn't meant to cover ALL of your food expenses - just supplement the budget.

So if you forgot to bring a PBJ from home and you need a fast food lunch, I'd think you could pay for that yourself or go without.  If I forgot to bring my lunch and didn't have my debit card handy, I used cash I happened to have on hand, or I borrowed from a coworker, etc.  Or I went without lunch and made up for it later at home. 

A $1 cheeseburger won't make you stuffed but it should keep you going until you get home.  Even poor people can keep a $5 bill in their wallet for such contingencies. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Sept 8, 2014 21:16:13 GMT -5 Opti said:

Sept 8, 2014 11:47:22 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

I saw Papa Murphy's waving a giant banner in front of their store saying they now accepted EBT a couple years ago.

WTF?

The argument was that fast food had to be included like you said because some people can't go home and cook food themselves.

You have to "take and bake" Papa Murphy's. My brain short circuited as I was driving by, I figured they must have one hell of a lobbyist.

Also, when they say they take EBT, sometimes what it really means is they

can use the cash they get that is on the EBT card at that vendor/location.

EBT cards have two parts and not everyone has both.

When I go to the grocery store to pay with the EBT card, I have to

select food not cash as  an option. Cash is basically yearly pro-rated EITC

given to some people who qualify via the EBT card mechanism.

EBT does not always equal food stamps.

Sometimes EBT equals EITC money.

I did not know that.  Guess that's my new fact for today. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Sept 8, 2014 22:02:48 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Sept 8, 2014 10:54:03 GMT -5 Firebird said:

Personally, I still can't believe that EBT covers fast food.  What the hell is the point of that? 

This is the one that gets me.  And EBT should cover personal hygiene products and toilet paper if it doesn't.

I'd be ok with it if there were limits on it - like 1 Happy Meal per kid on the paperwork per month.  I'm ok with rot. chicken being covered too. 

[sam]

I guess I'm usually too busy doing my own thing to even notice or care what others are paying with. Occationally, I will get someone who will unload their cart onto the belt then stand with me at the card swipe machine. Is that what they are doing? Seeing what I'm paying with? I'm not on EBT, but will usually have a very full cart of mixed items...healthy foods and junky foods.

[JustLurkin]

Sept 6, 2014 23:23:36 GMT -5 Opti said:

Sept 6, 2014 21:44:14 GMT -5 JustLurkin said:

Try TrueLemon, it's normally in the sugar section but is supposed to be all natural. It comes in packets (and different flavors, but I like the lemon) and I keep a few in my purse. Ooooh, I see they are offering sample packs, good cause they just came out with some new flavors: www.truelemonstore.com/category-s/1834.htm

You are both generous and cruel. Now I know more about their product line

which is not fully sold in my area.   The spices look very interesting and I

hope the True Grapefruit makes it out to one of the grocery stores near me.

I usually have some True Black Cherry Limeade or True Lemonade daily. I

probably should see how long and economical using True Lime or Lemon would

be for me. I unfortunately get tempted and indulge using True Lime or True Lemon

in meals. Both work great in rice dishes for example and a dash of True Lemon

can really liven up my tuna pasta salad.

Yes it would be good to change my True Lemonade habit for True Lemon to

drop down my use of Stevia and crank my sweet tooth down a bit more.

(I only looked at the link because for some reason my sleep addled brain was

thinking sample packs meant free True Lemonade samples! )

Hahaha...didn't know they had more options.  Unfortunately went to place my $3 sampler order and they want $12 for ups shipping...um, no, that should be maybe 2 stamps.  I'd do better buying a box of each kind, which I just can't do...I thought the box of orange was way too weak for a bottle of water and can't imagine getting a whole 'nother box I may or may not like.  I'll be sticking to the lemon flavor for awhile more.

[Opti]

Sept 9, 2014 10:46:10 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Sept 8, 2014 21:16:13 GMT -5 Opti said:

Also, when they say they take EBT, sometimes what it really means is they

can use the cash they get that is on the EBT card at that vendor/location.

EBT cards have two parts and not everyone has both.

When I go to the grocery store to pay with the EBT card, I have to

select food not cash as  an option. Cash is basically yearly pro-rated EITC

given to some people who qualify via the EBT card mechanism.

EBT does not always equal food stamps.

Sometimes EBT equals EITC money.

I did not know that.  Guess that's my new fact for today. 

To fulfill part of my vow I did select EBT , cash option when buying my emergency

lunch yogurt at Shoprite on the commute back from my temp job. It actually failed

in a non-dramatic way and I just had to start the whole *&%$ process again.

Usually it goes something like payment options and I select EBT,

then I need to choose between Food and Cash,

then the usual do I want to know my balance, is the amount $X.YY OK?

And sometimes it goes through on the first go round!

I got the same exact questions when I selected Cash knowing there was $0, but

it did the same process and the went across the wire I guess and gave me a

'not authorized screen'. Probably every place I go will be similar except the problem

child grocery store(with EBT).

(FWIW, I pay almost exclusively with cash so the whole process and the time

involved gets on my nerves sometimes.)

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 8, 2014 21:16:13 GMT -5 Opti said:

Sept 8, 2014 11:47:22 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Also, when they say they take EBT, sometimes what it really means is they

can use the cash they get that is on the EBT card at that vendor/location.

EBT cards have two parts and not everyone has both.

When I go to the grocery store to pay with the EBT card, I have to

select food not cash as  an option. Cash is basically yearly pro-rated EITC

given to some people who qualify via the EBT card mechanism.

EBT does not always equal food stamps.

Sometimes EBT equals EITC money.

Would you please explain this?  How does EITC money get on the EBT card?  I can't find anything that says that online.  

I don't mind poor people having cell phones, but I do have problems when I see them standing on the street corner begging for money and they have some kind of smartphone, like an iPhone.  Dumb phones are a lot cheaper and there are low income cell phones to be had.  

[Opti]

Sept 9, 2014 21:27:23 GMT -5 JustLurkin said:

Sept 6, 2014 23:23:36 GMT -5 Opti said:

You are both generous and cruel. Now I know more about their product line

which is not fully sold in my area.   The spices look very interesting and I

hope the True Grapefruit makes it out to one of the grocery stores near me.

I usually have some True Black Cherry Limeade or True Lemonade daily. I

probably should see how long and economical using True Lime or Lemon would

be for me. I unfortunately get tempted and indulge using True Lime or True Lemon

in meals. Both work great in rice dishes for example and a dash of True Lemon

can really liven up my tuna pasta salad.

Yes it would be good to change my True Lemonade habit for True Lemon to

drop down my use of Stevia and crank my sweet tooth down a bit more.

(I only looked at the link because for some reason my sleep addled brain was

thinking sample packs meant free True Lemonade samples! )

Hahaha...didn't know they had more options.  Unfortunately went to place my $3 sampler order and they want $12 for ups shipping...um, no, that should be maybe 2 stamps.  I'd do better buying a box of each kind, which I just can't do...I thought the box of orange was way too weak for a bottle of water and can't imagine getting a whole 'nother box I may or may not like.  I'll be sticking to the lemon flavor for awhile more.

Did you notice if you are willing to order at least $9.98 worth of stuff they will

charge only $2.95 for shipping?

[Opti]

Sept 9, 2014 21:44:25 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Sept 8, 2014 21:16:13 GMT -5 Opti said:

Also, when they say they take EBT, sometimes what it really means is they

can use the cash they get that is on the EBT card at that vendor/location.

EBT cards have two parts and not everyone has both.

When I go to the grocery store to pay with the EBT card, I have to

select food not cash as  an option. Cash is basically yearly pro-rated EITC

given to some people who qualify via the EBT card mechanism.

EBT does not always equal food stamps.

Sometimes EBT equals EITC money.

Would you please explain this?  How does EITC money get on the EBT card?  I can't find anything that says that online.  

I don't mind poor people having cell phones, but I do have problems when I see them standing on the street corner begging for money and they have some kind of smartphone, like an iPhone.  Dumb phones are a lot cheaper and there are low income cell phones to be had.  

I'm not social services, I don't know how they load the card nor do I know even how

one gets qualified for it(process/paperwk) as I don't qualify for EITC. Bottom line though, is the cash option on

EBT cards is NOT the food stamp program. It is welfare aka EITC. Instead of getting a tax refund

(speak to a tax professional on how the discrepancy is handled each year), those who qualify

can receive that sum over the year that they can withdraw as cash. Its only the portion of their

usual tax refund resulting from EITC though.

Online doesn't tell you much. All the good stuff on how it actually works and how in reality

things will be handled you learn by trial and error. In NJ you could try calling social services

but they are probably too busy to deal with you. If you really want to know, mail your state's

governor or the highest person who has EBT under his jurisdiction. I've never gotten great

answers, but someone from the governor's office has always emailed a response with some

tidbit of info.

[TheOtherMe]

I am a tax professional.  You can't get EITC in advance if you are not working.  You can then get a portion of it in your paycheck.  That is how you get it throughout the year.  You don't get 100% of what you will probably get either because the IRS knows if they give out too much EITC, it will never be seen again.

The EITC that a person gets through a tax refund, is either sent by check, direct deposited to one's bank account or can be put on  the refund card the places like Block or Jackson Hewitt uses.  It is not put on the EBT card.  

[Deleted]

Sept 9, 2014 21:57:11 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I am a tax professional.  You can't get EITC in advance if you are not working.  You can then get a portion of it in your paycheck.  That is how you get it throughout the year.  You don't get 100% of what you will probably get either because the IRS knows if they give out too much EITC, it will never be seen again.

The EITC that a person gets through a tax refund, is either sent by check, direct deposited to one's bank account or can be put on  the refund card the places like Block or Jackson Hewitt uses.  It is not put on the EBT card.  

There is no advance EITC anymore.  They quit that several years ago. 

[Opti]

Sept 9, 2014 21:57:11 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I am a tax professional.  You can't get EITC in advance if you are not working.  You can then get a portion of it in your paycheck.  That is how you get it throughout the year.  You don't get 100% of what you will probably get either because the IRS knows if they give out too much EITC, it will never be seen again.

The EITC that a person gets through a tax refund, is either sent by check, direct deposited to one's bank account or can be put on  the refund card the places like Block or Jackson Hewitt uses.  It is not put on the EBT card.  

I'm not a tax professional but I have done my own taxes by hand and some other

people's returns here and there over the years since I was 16. I don't know it happens

in your state.

EITC can be disbursed at least two ways in NJ. One avenue is via the EBT card FOR THOSE
WHO QUALIFY. If the cash option didn't exist, I wouldn't have that damn screen at every

grocery store nor would I have go stuff from social services(NJ) discussing it.

It happens through Social Services, through state agencies. How one does their

taxes is a separate thing including those loans on a card at high interest rates for

anticipated refunds.

[Opti]

Sept 9, 2014 22:03:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Sept 9, 2014 21:57:11 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I am a tax professional.  You can't get EITC in advance if you are not working.  You can then get a portion of it in your paycheck.  That is how you get it throughout the year.  You don't get 100% of what you will probably get either because the IRS knows if they give out too much EITC, it will never be seen again.

The EITC that a person gets through a tax refund, is either sent by check, direct deposited to one's bank account or can be put on  the refund card the places like Block or Jackson Hewitt uses.  It is not put on the EBT card.  

There is no advance EITC anymore.  They quit that several years ago. 

Maybe in MN.

Not here.

ETA: I've actually seen it used in person BTW by a customer in line in front of me.

I'm getting some bad YMer habits...

[Deleted]

Sept 9, 2014 22:10:19 GMT -5 Opti said:

Sept 9, 2014 22:03:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

There is no advance EITC anymore.  They quit that several years ago. 

Maybe in MN.

Not here.

ETA: I've actually seen it used in person BTW by a customer in line in front of me.

I'm getting some bad YMer habits...

EITC is federal.  It's the same in every state.  I think you're confusing TAFDC for EITC.

[Deleted]

From the SNAP Q&A page.

I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food?

Yes. SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people have an EBT card for their TAFDC (cash assistance) benefits. You can use TAFDC benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on TAFDC eligibility, contact your local DTA office.

www.gettingfoodstamps.org/faqsaboutsnap.html

[truthbound]

Sept 9, 2014 7:36:57 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

Sept 9, 2014 4:25:26 GMT -5 truthbound said:

Why would you put on a poker face? Who are you Lady Gaga? Tell them what you think. I always do.

because it's not your business....if it's legally allowed then too bad...if you don't like it write to your elected representatives

The issue is freedom of speech not what is allowed. Anyone can say what they want.

[Deleted]

Sept 10, 2014 5:13:48 GMT -5 truthbound said:

Sept 9, 2014 7:36:57 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

because it's not your business....if it's legally allowed then too bad...if you don't like it write to your elected representatives

The issue is freedom of speech not what is allowed. Anyone can say what they want.

and anyone else an tell them to go f*&k themselves, that it's none of their business.

I really hope that your persona on here is not what it is in real life.